The City of Philadelphia has a legacy of being the “City of Firsts.” The first “planned city” in North America, the first hospital in the United States, the first public library, the first Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the list goes on.

One of these firsts that makes our city very proud is the fact that Philadelphia was the birthplace of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

These military branches were formed right here during the American Revolution and fought for our nation’s freedom.

Sunday, November 10, 2019, was the 244^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, which was celebrated at Marine outposts around the world.

Celebrations were also held here in Philly and included a Marine Corps Anniversary Service at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The service was held at the gravesite of Brigadier General Jacob A. Zeilin, the first United States Marine non-brevet general who served as the seventh Commandant of the Corps from 1864-1876…another first!

In honor of this day, here are a few fun facts about our city’s history and connection with the nation’s armed forces:

• During the Revolutionary war, Philadelphia was an active battlefield during parts of the war.
• After the British won against George Washington and the Continental Army in the Battle of Brandywine, the British took over Philadelphia.
• Our nation’s founders wanted to unify all troops in the colonies to fight the British and secure our nation’s freedom. The U.S. Army was formed by the by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. George Washington was appointed as its commander.
• On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress started the Navy with a promise to buy two armed vessels. The congress then created a Naval Committee, which developed the rules and procedures of the new navy.
• On November 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress asked Samuel Nicholas to raise two battalions of Marines at our very own Independence Hall.
  • Samuel Nicholas asked Robert Mullan, the manager of Tun Tavern, to be his primary marine recruiter. Tun Tavern is considered the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps and was located at the intersection of Water Street and Tun Alley.
  • Legend has it that the promise of free beer from Tun Tavern helped Nicholas to raise the volunteer forces he needed.
  • An historical marker is now located at the former site of Tun Tavern at the intersection of South Front Street and Samson Street.
• During the British control of Philadelphia, many American soldiers died and were buried in Southeast Square, which you may now know as Washington Square.
  • In the center of Washington Square is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is dedicated to the thousands of unknown soldiers buried within the park.

The United States Armed Forces, and the brave men and women who serve in them, are a major part of our City’s history as the birthplace of our nation. Happy Birthday to the Marine Corps.

Semper Fi!